A series of stunning images recently posted by architect and photographer Atsushi Kobayashi (@atsushi_k_photo) have been trending lately, and understandably so.

Representing a collaboration with traditional Japanese armor enthusiast Naga x Masa (u4_masa), these photos shot in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture, seem to depict a formidable warrior from the Sengoku Era (1467-1600) suddenly transported into present-day Japan.

Posing majestically on a mountain top, his sword stretched out against the backdrop of the setting sun, you can almost hear him exclaim: "I have come to conquer!"

With permission from Atsushi Kobayashi (@atsushi_k_photo)

With permission from Atsushi Kobayashi (@atsushi_k_photo)

And perhaps, in the aftermath of conquest, we see him proud and peaceful as he basks in the glorious sunshine of a new dawn, looking over the new land now under his rule.

With permission from Atsushi Kobayashi (@atsushi_k_photo)

With permission from Atsushi Kobayashi (@atsushi_k_photo)

A waterfall also makes for a stunning location, adding to the impact of this scene:

With permission from Atsushi Kobayashi (@atsushi_k_photo)

Twitter users showered praise for the photos, leaving comments such as:

  • This is unmistakably a "I conquered the land" moment!
  • This is just too cool! It almost looks like the opening sequence to an NHK historical drama.
  • I'm blown away! It's like traveling through time
  • The way it seems to blend the Sengoku Era and the present is too beautiful to describe.

If you'd like to see more of Atsushi Kobayashi's work, please follow his Instagram account here.


By - Ben K.